When we think of bed bugs, we think of unsanitary conditions. However, these pests can show up anywhere, from the finest hotels to the cleanest homes. This is why it’s important to implement some prevention methods against bed bugs if you live in an area that is prone to infestations. Here are some of the things that you can do to keep bed bugs out of your home.
Inside the home
Since bed bugs like to hide in nooks and crannies, you want to make sure that your home is as free of clutter as possible. This will also help prevent other types of pest infestations. You can also kill infestations early on by washing your bed linens at the highest temperature that the fabric allows. If you plan on buying second hand furniture, make sure that you check it closely for signs of a bed bug infestation. You also want to avoid bringing discarded furniture into your home, because one of the reasons that it was discarded may be the presence of bed bugs.
When traveling
Most bed bugs are brought in the home after traveling. To make sure that the room you are renting is free of bed bugs, you can use the acronym SLEEP. S stands for “survey” – make sure that you check for small rust-colored spots on the sheets of the bed or the textile material on the furniture in the room. L is for “lift”. Lift the mattress and the pieces of furniture and look underneath, and you could spot bed bugs or their droppings. The first E is for “elevate” – make sure that your luggage is not on the floor while you inspect the room. The second E is for “examine” – examine your luggage before repacking and returning home. Finally, P is for “place” all the clothing in the washer after returning from your trip.
What to do if you have an infestation in your home
If you suspect that you have a bed bug infestation in your home, you will have to work with a pro to have it removed. Bed bugs are one of the hardier and more difficult to remove pests, and DIY approaches are rarely effective. For more information on how to prevent and deal with bed bug infestations, or if you have a bed bug infestation that needs to be removed, contact us today.